Poultry on Shropshire border farm to get extra 96,000 birds

The site at Snod Coppice in Halfway House, between Shrewsbury and Welshpool, already has capacity for a total of 179,000 birds in its four sheds.

But the plans will now see the site hold more than a quarter of a million birds with the creation of two new climate-controlled rearing sheds and four feed bins.

The scheme also includes the introduction of green energy, including a biomass boiler on the farm, which will heat the new sheds using wood chippings from the woodland to generate energy and reduce the farm's overall environmental impact.

A significant factor in the application by Rowton Growers was the farm's location in ancient woodland and, in particular, concerns around air quality.

However early technical research showed that part of the woodland's age wasn't as old as initially thought when the designation was put in place, and the trees within it were not of a high quality.

To ensure that any extension to the farm would have a positive impact on the wider area, the application included a compensation package for a replanting scheme that would replace conifers with rare ancient woodland species.

Guy Maxfield, associate director at Indigo Planning, which drew up the designs, said: "Obtaining planning permission for a poultry farm in ancient woodland is, on the face of it, impossible. But with careful scoping and early discussions we were able to put forward a solution that will not only create jobs and opportunities for local people, but ensured that the woodland is improved and its biodiversity is enhanced.

"The Park Farm extension is set to create several new jobs and will help bolster the local rural economy. "

Alberbury with Cardeston Parish Council supported the plans, which said it would be "fulfilling a need for more livestock production" and that it could provide local jobs.